A Lesson Learned

A Lesson Learned

By Bennie Sham, Internship Program Lead (@beesham)

Since Kanye West’s unfortunate behavior at this past weekend’s VMAs, everyone has thrown their two cents into the ring. Celebrities are lashing out at his rude interruption to Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech for Best Female Video. Even the President thought it was very inappropriate, stating that Kanye was a “jackass.” Of course, after his remark, the President tried to backpedal.

Immediately after, his statement appeared on a reporter’s Twitter feed. Since then, it’s been all over the news and blogs and have been fodder for conversations amongst friends and colleagues. Though the tweet was removed soon after it was published, it was too late.

One thing I’ve learned in PR is that everything you say can be published. Nothing is ever “off the record.” That’s a good point emphasize to clients when they speak with the media. During their interviews, matter how often they say, “off the record this and off the record that,” there is a possibility that it not be off the record. So, rather than wait until something bad happens, it’s best to take a precautionary step and warn clients that what they say can be used against them.